C7 Vertebra, Lateral View

Description

Positioned at the cervicothoracic junction, the C7 vertebra is presented in lateral profile with the vertebral body anterior and the spinous process projecting posteriorly and slightly inferiorly, a long, nonbifid landmark that earns it the name vertebra prominens. The superior and inferior articular processes are visible as stacked facets posterior to the body, framing the lateral wall of the vertebral foramen and defining the zygapophyseal (facet) joints with C6 and T1. Lateral to the pedicle, the transverse process demonstrates its transitional character: the anterior tubercle and costal element are more pronounced, and the foramen transversarium is often small or absent compared with C1 to C6. C7 also shows the typical cervical uncinate processes along the superolateral margin of the vertebral body, forming uncovertebral joints. Clinically, this lateral view matters because C7 is the most reliable surface landmark for counting vertebral levels, but its morphology also explains common pitfalls in imaging and surgery, since a tiny foramen transversarium may not transmit the vertebral artery and can be mistaken for pathology on CT. Uncovertebral osteophytes at C6 to C7 and foraminal narrowing near the C7 pedicle frequently correlate with C7 radiculopathy, producing pain or weakness along the posterior arm and into the middle finger. Palpable. Practical. Use this plate for gross anatomy teaching on cervical spine transitions, for radiology correlation in lateral cervical radiographs and CT anatomy modules, and for spine surgery publications discussing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C6 to C7 with attention to level confirmation and adjacent segment mechanics. It also supports physical examination and sports medicine materials that reference vertebra prominens as a counting landmark. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.